Variable Restriction Patents (Class 138/46)
  • Patent number: 7484532
    Abstract: A sealing rib is disposed within a pipeline, such that an interior of the pipeline is divided uniformly into plural flow paths along a peripheral direction. A flexible-film body to whose interior a fluid for inflation can be supplied, is disposed in each divisional flow path. Each of the plural flexible-film bodies within the pipeline is inflated by the fluid so as to block-up the pipeline. Therefore, a height of the flexible-film body which is in an inflated state can be made to be low. Further, because little tension is applied to the flexible-film body, it suffices for a durable strength required of the flexible-film body to be small. In accordance with this structure, it is possible to obtain a flexible-film expandable gate which does not use a highly-rigid film body, and which can reliably exhibit a water stopping ability even in a pipeline of a large diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20080277011
    Abstract: A flow regulator (50) having a controller housing (1) which has a central body (3) in a passage channel (2) is provided, with the central body (3) being bounded by an annular throttle body (4) made from an elastic material that delimits a control gap (6) between itself and an adjacent peripheral lateral surface (5) which is provided with control recesses (7, 7?) that are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction and are oriented in the flow direction (Pf1, Pf2), with the passage cross-section of the control gap (6) being variable via the throttle body (4) deforming under the pressure difference created as the flow passes through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: NEOPERL GMBH
    Inventors: Keith Hart, Uwe Zoller, Christoph Weis
  • Publication number: 20080277010
    Abstract: A flow regulator (10) having a regulator housing (1) which is provided with a control device (8a) having a central body (3a) in a passage channel (2). An annular throttle body (4a) produced from an elastic material bounds the central body (3a) and defines a control gap (6a) between the throttle body (4a) and an adjacent peripheral surface (5a) that is provided with control recesses (7a) that are oriented in a flow direction (Pf1, Pf2). The passage cross-section of the control gap can be varied by the throttle body which is deformed by the pressure difference caused during throughflow. In the present flow regulator (10), there are two control devices (8a, 8b) arranged one behind the other the longitudinal direction of the passage channel (2), with the two control devices (8a, 8b) being configured for different throughputs and/or pressure ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: NEOPERL GMBH
    Inventor: Uwe Zoller
  • Patent number: 7431224
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for reducing the amount of water or other fluid discharged at a tap (4), which device comprises a body member (1) having an inlet adapted to be connected to a supply of water or other fluid, dual outlets through which the fluid is to be discharged to the locus, one fluid path between said inlet and said outlet is controlled by a flow/pressure responsive valve mechanism (10) located in the inner fluid path (9) between said inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Paul Laker
  • Publication number: 20080236690
    Abstract: In a cooling system, a variable inline nozzle controls the flow of cooling fluid. The variable inline nozzle includes a composite fibrous tube through which the cooling fluid flows. Upon manipulation of the composite fibrous tube, a diameter of a portion of the composite fibrous tube is adjusted to control the flow of the cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Vance B. Murakami, Wesley H. Stelter, Robert M. Hintz, John M. Grisham
  • Patent number: 7422028
    Abstract: A device for metering and controlling fluid flow includes a variable orifice and is configured to use a pressure sensor. The device includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall that extends along a portion of the fluid flow conduit length, and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable in a direction transverse to an axis of the conduit between an open position wherein fluid flows through the conduit and a closed position wherein the element substantially shuts off fluid flow in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Rivatek, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Alan Nugent, John Allan Kielb, Mark Daniel Litecky
  • Publication number: 20080210326
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve comprises a plurality of vortex, fluid pressure reduction chambers 1, each vortex chamber having an inlet in the form of a curved flowpath 2 having an inlet orifice 3 of defined cross sectional area which decreases along the length of the inlet flowpath to a minimum point at a throat 4 close to which it opens into the vortex chamber 1. The fluid flow within the vortex chamber takes a generally spiral flow path having both radial and axial components from the throat 4 towards an outlet 5 positioned substantially axially at an end of the vortex chamber, the curvature of the inlet flowpath being such that the direction of the flow therein is in substantially the same direction as the radial component of the flow within the vortex chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas Goulet, Daniel Theodore Noes, Steven Freitas
  • Publication number: 20080135109
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow in a flowline under pressure, said apparatus comprising a flow passage having a firs end and a second end, and hindering means for reducing the flow in the flow passage, the hindering means being arranged to move between a first and a second position under influence of a pressure difference between the first end and the second end of the flow passage. The reduction of the flow in the flow passage is larger when the hindering means is in the first and second position than when the hindering means is in an intermediate position between said first and second positions. Hereby an improved safety valve, which is adapted to shut off flow in a flow line in two directions, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Adam Bonne, John F. Lehd
  • Patent number: 7370675
    Abstract: The flow conditioner for a fluid transport pipe, comprises a support-forming substantially tubular main body, at least one flow rectifier disposed inside the main body essentially perpendicularly to the axis XX? thereof, and a porous plate disposed inside the main body upstream from the flow rectifier and parallel thereto. The elements of the conditioner are disposed in such a manner that a substantial fraction of the fluid flow passes through the flow rectifier and the porous plate in the absence of the porous plate becoming clogged. A bypass circuit is provided to ensure fluid flow continuity in the event of the porous plate becoming clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Gaz de France
    Inventors: Julien Cancade, Jean-Luc Beccat
  • Publication number: 20080099094
    Abstract: A water saving device for use at or near a water outlet has a first water flow regulating element; a second water flow regulating element disposed downstream of the first regulating element; and a chamber formed between the first and second regulating elements. All of one or more water flow regulating parts of the second regulating element are made from substantially solid material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: JVL ENGINEERING PTE LTD
    Inventor: Meng Loong
  • Publication number: 20080092969
    Abstract: A novel apparatus and associated methods for controlling the flow through a flow restrictor using a reshapable lumen. The lumen reshapes as a function of the pressure differential over the flow restrictor. Because flow rate is proportional by the fourth order of magnitude to the diameter of the lumen, small changes in the pressure differential allow for large changes in the flow rate over conventional flow restrictor systems and provides for real time, fine-tuned adjustments to the flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Mario DiPerna
  • Patent number: 7325572
    Abstract: A medical apparatus flow restrictor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid flow path defined through the housing between the inlet and outlet. At least one pair of opposed restriction surfaces are provided in contact with each other within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The restriction surfaces are disposed in the flow path such that fluid delivered to the inlet passes between the opposed restriction surfaces prior to flowing from the outlet. At least one of the restriction surfaces comprises a pattern of fluid passages formed into the surface, the passages having a size and shape and cooperating with the opposed restriction surface such that a desired flow rate of fluid is achieved through the restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Robert G. Schinazi, Lauren E. de Rosset
  • Publication number: 20080000539
    Abstract: A flow control device of the character having a fluid pathway for permitting fluid flow therealong under conditions of varying temperature and pressure for achieving substantially constant output flow rate from the fluid pathway. One or more flexibly deformable vanes, which extend into the fluid pathway, are constructed and arranged to flexibly deform in a manner to further occlude the fluid pathway when the pressure within said fluid path way increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Donald B. Bivin
  • Patent number: 7285210
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis water filtering system includes a reverse osmosis membrane having first output port for permeate water, second output port for concentrate water, and intake port for receiving filtered water, a filtering assembly providing filtered water to the membrane, and a flow restrictor restricting a flow of concentrate water from the membrane to a water source, the flow restrictor including a housing defining an elongated conduit having a tapering conical wall defining a first screw thread and a water-channel thread extending therealong including generally between a first opening into a distal region of the conduit for receiving a flow of liquid and a second opening into a proximal region of the conduit, and an axially elongated plug received into the conduit, a surface of the plug opposed to the tapering conical wall defining a second screw thread and a tapering surface, the second screw thread disposed in threaded engagement with the first screw thread defined by the conical wall of the housing, opp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventor: Craig A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7281844
    Abstract: A variable static mixer and system for accommodating variable and different flows in a pipeline so as to produce maximum mixing efficiency including a first mixer mounted in the pipeline and a second mixer mounted in the pipeline at a downstream location wherein the second mixer has a plate with a mixing orifice which plate is adapted to move between non-mixing and mixing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Robert W Glanville
  • Patent number: 7270143
    Abstract: An offset variable orifice gas flow sensor is provided. The variable orifice gas flow sensor comprises two port portions. The central axes of these port portions are offset such that an interior surface of the port portions slope away from a flapper that separates the port portions. The slope ensures that any moisture present in a gas that flows through the variable orifice gas flow sensor drains away from the flapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: The General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Kohlmann, Lance Clark Bell
  • Patent number: 7237573
    Abstract: An adjustable high pressure, low flow metering valve provides a sleeve extending about a restrictor shaft, the sleeve having a narrow helical groove formed in the inside diameter. A restrictor shaft within the sleeve encloses the groove and forms a sealed helical flow channel. The length of the flow channel is varied by withdrawing the restrictor shaft in the sleeve, whereby only a selected axial extent of the groove is enclosed by the sleeve to form a confined flow path. The shaft is provided with a threaded engagement in the body of the metering valve, so that rotation of an adjustment knob provides extremely fine control of the length of the flow path, and thus highly accurate selection of the flow resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Steven H. Graham
  • Patent number: 7207712
    Abstract: A device and method for creating hydrodynamic cavitation in fluid is provided. The device can include a flow-through chamber having a first portion and a second portion, and a plurality of baffles provided within the second portion of the flow-through chamber. One or more of the plurality of baffles can be configured to be selectively movable into the first portion of the flow-through chamber to generate a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from each baffle moved into the first portion of the flow-through chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Five Star Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Oleg V. Kozyuk
  • Patent number: 7159602
    Abstract: A flow measuring valve device (1) for fluid, the flow measuring valve (1) comprising a first restriction (48) and a second restriction (76) connected in series with the first restriction (48), the flow rates of said restrictions (48, 76) being unequally dependent on the viscosity of the fluid, and a method for determining the viscosity of the fluid by means of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Rotator AS
    Inventor: Morten Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 7147203
    Abstract: Fluid control apparatus and method of controlling fluid flow. The fluid control apparatus comprises an elongate tube having a first flow opening at an end of the tube and at least one second flow opening along the length of the tube, and a sleeve arranged to slide along said tube during fluid-flow conditions. A gap is present between the tube and the sleeve to allow some fluid to pass through the gap to displace the sleeve from the tube and to allow some flow even when in a fully closed condition. A sleeve positioning device is arranged to adjust the position of the sleeve and thereby control the fluid-flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher Terrell
  • Patent number: 7044165
    Abstract: An outflow regulator for a gravity-fed liquid outlet of a liquid reservoir comprising a restriction plate mountable within the liquid outlet for limiting a flow rate of an effluent. The restriction plate allows a lower passage for the effluent when a first level of liquid is reached within the liquid reservoir, and an upper passage for the effluent when a second level of liquid is reached. The regulator also comprises a flapgate pivotable between a closed position where the flapgate covers the lower passage of the restriction device and an open position away from the restriction plate. When the flapgate is in the closed position, the effluent is free to flow out though the upper passage. A float counterweight switches the flapgate between the opened position and closed position according to the liquid level in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Premier Tech Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc-André Malenfant, Yves Bérubé, Nicolas Viel, Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 7017611
    Abstract: A one-piece manifold for a reverse osmosis system includes a filter configured to receive water from a water port and a membrane configured to receive filtered water via a first conduit. The membrane is also configured to send permeate water to a reverse osmosis tank. The manifold also includes a flow restrictor configured to receive concentrate water from the membrane via a second conduit and to pass the concentrate water to a drain port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Watts Regulator C.
    Inventor: Craig A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7004200
    Abstract: A flow control valve controls a flow of water through a passage to a brine tank of a water treatment apparatus. A valve seat is between first and second sections of the passage. The valve seat has a first end with a concave surface facing the first section and an aperture extending from the concave surface to a second end that faces the second section. A groove in the concave surface extends from the first end to the aperture. A valve element moves within the first section in response to pressure of the water in the first section thereby varying the size of a path through the passage by an amount that varies as a function of the water pressure. The action of the valve element maintains a substantially constant flow rate through the flow control valve regardless of water pressure variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Wittig, Kenneth J. Sieth, John D. Stolz, Jeffrey G. Franks
  • Patent number: 6948527
    Abstract: A linearly self-actuated hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these three). Hoses (30) and (30b) have a biasing spring (36) extends along the full length, and can comprise single or multiple springs and/or multiple diameter spring coils. Spring (36) is covered with hose cover material (32) on the outside and hose cover material (34) on the inside to form a sealed hose and are bowed inward or outward radially between the individual spring coils depending on the intended use of hose (30) or (30b), respectfully to give the cover materials room to move out of the way when the hose retracts and the coils of spring (36) are forced close together. Hose (30b) is designed with a source end (26) and a output end (68). A pressure control mechanism is used on output end (68) to control the extending and retracting of hose (30b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6918526
    Abstract: A muffler is received in a passage of an end member connected to a handle of the staple gun and a fitting extends from the end member so as to be connected to a hose. The muffler includes a tubular body and a plurality of plates extend from an end of the tubular body. The plats extend toward an interior of the handle and form a bullet-head-shaped arrangement. Gaps are defined between the plates and become smaller when air goes outward from the handle so as to reduce noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 6834672
    Abstract: An air pressure and flow regulating valve for pneumatic tool mainly includes a valve body, a pressure regulator and a flow regulator connected to one side and a top, respectively, of the valve body, and an air inlet connector provided at a bottom of the valve body. By rotating a first turning knob provided on the pressure regulator, a narrow passage is produced in the valve body between the air inlet connector and the flow regulator, so that a pressure of air supplied into the pneumatic tool via the flow regulator is controllable via the size of the narrow passage. By rotating a second turning knob mounted around the flow regulator to fully open, partially shield, or fully close an outer air passage hole provided on the flow regulator, speed and flow of air supplied into the pneumatic tool can be changed under control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Li Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 6830062
    Abstract: A dripper apparatus for a water spigot includes a coupler having a threaded female member for connecting to a water spigot. A generally cylindrical elongate member has a longitudinal portion in fluid communication with the female member. The longitudinal portion has an upper portion that defines a seat within the female member. A flow controller sits on the seat. A filter screen upstream the flow controller collects particles in water flowing therethrough so that the controller does not become clogged. The flow controller includes a housing that is provided with an upper inlet for receiving a first flow rate of water from a water spigot. The housing also includes a cavity therewithin and the cavity is in fluid contact with the upper inlet. A flexible membrane is housed within the cavity and floats when water enters the cavity via the upper inlet. The upper inlet is slotted at the top thereof for further filtering water flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Montpetit
  • Patent number: 6823892
    Abstract: A valve installed at the inlet of a thermostatic mixing device for automatically stabilizing the operation of the thermostatic device by maintaining the pressure within the thermostatic mixing device close to the water supply pressure, thereby making the thermostatic device response to small pressure changes while maintaining the fluid flow through the device. The valve comprises a tubular body inserted within the water supply line, a holding seat within the tubular body, a cursor that moves within the valve body with respect to the seat, the cursor moving between a first position where the seat is partially occluded and a second position where the seat is substantially clear. The cursor is subjected to the pressure existing inside the thermostatic mixing device, and a spring positioned with the valve body that acts upon the cursor to urge the cursor towards the first cursor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Alfons Knapp
  • Patent number: 6695011
    Abstract: A flow regulator (1) having a regulator housing (2) in which, in a flow channel, an annular flow restrictor (5) made of elastic material is provided that is pushed onto a fastening post (4) and encircles this post. The post (4) has at least two fastening webs (6), oriented opposite a direction in which the elastic material is pushed on, whose free ends engage the flow restrictor (5) from behind in a securing manner. The flow restrictor (5) limits, between itself and at least one fixed part of the housing, a control gap whose flow cross-section can be modified by the flow restrictor (5), which deforms under the pressure difference that arises during flow. In the flow regulator according to the present invention the fastening webs (6) are fashioned as resilient webs that can be flexibly inwardly deflected. The flow regulator (1) according to the present invention can be manufactured economically and with a low cost, and is distinguished by its high degree of functional reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Dieter Wildfang GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Sochtig
  • Patent number: 6696116
    Abstract: Pellets which may, for example, simulate snow are brought to a position such as the top of a tree from where they are dispensed. After falling to the bottom. the pellets are collected and re dispensed. The pellets are blown through a venturi tube and from there to a tube which runs to the position at where the pellets are dispersed. An adjustable flap is provided in the venturi tube, this flap functioning both to contribute to the venturi action controlling the fluid pressure and as a valve to control the rate of flow of pellets for optimum operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Cary Bigman
  • Patent number: 6684907
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning loose-fill insulation including an elongated tubular cylinder having a plurality of internal blades positioned in a helical configuration. Large nodules of glass fibrous material pass through the conditioning cylinder and are combed into smaller, more uniform sizes, thus allowing a more uniform additive application further downstream in the manufacturing process. The addition of a tangential airflow to the conditioning cylinder facilitates the combing process by adding a tangential force to move the nodules down the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Alain Yang, Ken Knapp
  • Patent number: 6681807
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving a flow of fluid and restricting the flow through a device are described. The apparatus includes an insert having a shaped surface including at least one through-hole located off-center. The shaped surface may be a bell-shaped curve in cross-section. The method includes supplying a flow of fluid to one side of the apparatus, redirecting a portion of the flow of the fluid onto itself, and directing the flow to the at least one through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary N. Byrd
  • Publication number: 20040007277
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving a flow of fluid and restricting the flow through a device are described. The apparatus includes an insert having a shaped surface including at least one through-hole located off-center. The shaped surface may be a bell-shaped curve in cross-section. The method includes supplying a flow of fluid to one side of the apparatus, redirecting a portion of the flow of the fluid onto itself, and directing the flow to the at least one through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary N. Byrd
  • Publication number: 20030209278
    Abstract: A flow regulator (1) having a regulator housing (2) in which, in a flow channel, an annular flow restrictor (5) made of elastic material is provided that is pushed onto a fastening post (4) and encircles this post. The post (4) has at least two fastening webs (6), oriented opposite a direction in which the elastic material is pushed on, whose free ends engage the flow restrictor (5) from behind in a securing manner. The flow restrictor (5) limits, between itself and at least one fixed part of the housing, a control gap whose flow cross-section can be modified by the flow restrictor (5), which deforms under the pressure difference that arises during flow. In the flow regulator according to the present invention the fastening webs (6) are fashioned as resilient webs that can be flexibly inwardly deflected. The flow regulator (1) according to the present invention can be manufactured economically and with a low cost, and is distinguished by its high degree of functional reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Dieter Wildfang GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Sochtig
  • Patent number: 6631738
    Abstract: A valve or ball reversal orifice provides provide a first flow restriction to a material flowing through the ball reversal orifice and a second flow restriction when the material reverses flow direction. The valve includes a housing having at least first and second walls that define a cavity therein. The cavity is configured such that a cross-sectional area of the cavity taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity decreases from the second wall to the first wall. A first port is provided in the first wall for allowing material to enter or exit a cavity, and a second port is provided in the second wall for allowing material to enter or exit the cavity. A flow restrictor, such as a ball, disposed in the cavity and is movable between a relatively large portion of said cavity and a relatively small portion of said cavity to provide different flow restriction depending on the direction of material flow through the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Mingxiang Jiang
  • Patent number: 6631737
    Abstract: A device for controlling liquid flow in a conduit which is of a hat-like configuration defined by a cylindrical base part having a flange part at one end and a closure part at another end joined thereto by an integral spring which bends to permit through-flow of liquid through a peripheral gap between the body part and the closure part. The gap is of a stepwise progression including either an abrupt or curved step. The gap has a medial gap portion and opposite gap portion ends which are relatively sized to effect the stepwise progression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Cornelis Maria Kipping
  • Patent number: 6571831
    Abstract: A flow regulator (1) having a regulator housing (2) with a control peg (4) in a passage channel that encompasses an annular flow restrictor (5) made of elastic material. The flow restrictor defines a control gap (6) located between itself and at least one part that is fixed to the housing. The passage cross-section of the gap can be modified by deformation of the flow restrictor resulting from the difference in pressure during cross flow. Spaced recesses (7, 8) oriented in the flow direction are provided in a peripheral direction on the surfaces of the part fixed to the housing defining the control gap (6). The regulation recesses are on the inner surface of the regulator housing (2) and on the peripheral surface of the control peg. The desired flow rate is achieved at comparatively low liquid pressure and remains practically constant in case of increased or fluctuating liquid pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Dieter Wildfang GmbH
    Inventor: Keith Hart
  • Patent number: 6536328
    Abstract: A damper valve (70) located between a control valve (18) and a power steering motor (22) in a hydraulic power-assisted steering system (10). The damper valve (70) comprises a housing (72) having axially opposite first and second end portions (76 and 78) and an intermediate portion (80) interposed between the first and second end portions (76 and 78). The first end portion (76) is for fluid communication with the control valve (18) and the second end portion (78) is for fluid communication with the power steering motor (22). A flow restricting element (114) is located within the housing (72) and is movable through portions of the housing (72) including the intermediate portion (80) by fluid flow through the housing (72). The damper valve (70) further includes a biasing element (106) for restraining movement of the flow restricting element (114) toward the first end portion (76) of the housing (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Engler
  • Publication number: 20030051761
    Abstract: A method of controlling the fluid pressure of an inflatable stopping bag used to block the fluid flow through a fluid conduit comprises pressurising the bag using a pressure regulator which operates to regulate the pressure of the bag as a function of the instantaneous pressure in the pipe upstream of the stopping bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew Welfare
  • Patent number: 6533562
    Abstract: An improved scroll compressor has condition responsive lubricant volume flow. The lubricant is preferably delivered to a tap positioned adjacent the suction chamber such that lubricant is delivered into the scroll compressor in a quantity which is desirable for normal operation of the scroll compressor. A valve is associated with the tap, and restricts the flow of lubricant through the tap to a first more restrictive non-actuated position. If operational conditions within the scroll compressor indicate that a greater lubricant flow would be desirable, the valve moves to an actuated position at which it is less restrictive to the flow of lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventor: Zili Sun
  • Patent number: 6511372
    Abstract: A gas flow regulator comprises a gas passage duct that can be axially repositioned and rotationally reoriented relative to a chamber wall for controlling the flow rate of gas from one side of the wall into an interior volume on an opposite side of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Controlled Environments, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Leeds, John D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20020157711
    Abstract: A damper valve (70) located between a control valve (18) and a power steering motor (22) in a hydraulic power-assisted steering system (10). The damper valve (70) comprises a housing (72) having axially opposite first and second end portions (76 and 78) and an intermediate portion (80) interposed between the first and second end portions (76 and 78). The first end portion (76) is for fluid communication with the control valve (18) and the second end portion (78) is for fluid communication with the power steering motor (22). A flow restricting element (114) is located within the housing (72) and is movable through portions of the housing (72) including the intermediate portion (80) by fluid flow through the housing (72). The damper valve (70) further includes a biasing element (106) for restraining movement of the flow restricting element (114) toward the first end portion (76) of the housing (72).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Engler
  • Patent number: 6439267
    Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as measurement error, noise, vibration, and/or erosion. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and/or pulsation as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters, with nominal pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Welker Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Welker
  • Publication number: 20020079470
    Abstract: A flow control valve which does not utilize any moving components in the valve is disclosed. In the flow control valve, a valve housing that has a cylindrical-shaped wall is first provided. Inside the valve housing, is then provided a first and a second end plate for sealingly engaging an inner periphery of the valve housing. The first and the second end plate are positioned spaced-apart in a predetermined distance while each of the end plates has at least one aperture therethrough for the passage of a fluid flow to be controlled. Inside a valve cavity formed between the two end plates and the inner periphery of the valve housing is positioned an inflatable bag such that when a fluid is flown into the inflatable bag, the bag inflates to either partially block or completely block the fluid passageway through the valve cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Chuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20020074049
    Abstract: A valve or ball reversal orifice provides provide a first flow restriction to a material flowing through the ball reversal orifice and a second flow restriction when the material reverses flow direction. The valve includes a housing having at least first and second walls that define a cavity therein. The cavity is configured such that a cross-sectional area of the cavity taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity decreases from the second wall to the first wall. A first port is provided in the first wall for allowing material to enter or exit a cavity, and a second port is provided in the second wall for allowing material to enter or exit the cavity. A flow restrictor, such as a ball, disposed in the cavity and is movable between a relatively large portion of said cavity and a relatively small portion of said cavity to provide different flow restriction depending on the direction of material flow through the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Mingxiang Jiang
  • Patent number: 6405994
    Abstract: A flow control valve which does not utilize any moving components in the valve is disclosed. In the flow control valve, a valve housing that has a cylindrical-shaped wall is first provided. Inside the valve housing, is then provided a first and a second end plate for sealingly engaging an inner periphery of the valve housing. The first and the second end plate are positioned spaced-apart in a predetermined distance while each of the end plates has at least one aperture therethrough for the passage of a fluid flow to be controlled. Inside a valve cavity formed between the two end plates and the inner periphery of the valve housing is positioned an inflatable bag such that when a fluid is flown into the inflatable bag, the bag inflates to either partially block or completely block the fluid passageway through the valve cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Wei-Chuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20020069922
    Abstract: A fluid stream pulse damper having a fluid conduit defining a fluid path and a fluid flow direction. The conduit has an inlet end and an outlet end. A damper body in the conduit intersects the fluid path. An energy absorber attached to the damper body operates in resistance to fluid flowing in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Joel S. Johnson, Kevin J. Knox
  • Patent number: 6401758
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a variable pitch thread includes a hollow cylindrical element configured to provide a plurality of parallel, radially projecting ridges extending circumferentially around the cylindrical element and spaced apart with a given step as measured parallel to a central axis of the cylindrical element. The cylindrical element also featuring a slit extending substantially parallel to the central axis along the length of the cylinder. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively generate controlled relative displacement between the opposing edges on opposing sides of the slit so as to vary a helical angle of the projecting ridges relative to the central axis. The actuation mechanism is preferably configured to relatively displace the opposing edges such that the plurality of projecting ridges together form alternatively a helical pattern and a pattern of substantially closed rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Amir Ziv-Av
  • Patent number: 6398543
    Abstract: A method for delivering fuel oil from a pressurized fuel oil source to an airblast atomizer subassembly on a low firing rate fuel oil burner includes providing a flow control device having a body defining a bore extending between and inlet end of the bore and an outlet end of the bore. The flow control device includes a rod disposed coaxially within the bore in a close fitting relationship. At least one of the bore and the rod is threaded (i.e., includes a groove extending along a helical path) to define a passageway extending along a circuitous, helical path intermediate the input and output ends of the bore through which the fuel oil must pass in flowing from the input end to the output end. The passageway has a size and shape adapted to achieve a desired rate of flow of the fuel oil to the airblast atomizer subassembly (e.g., less than 1.0 gallons per hour and typically less than 0.5 gallons per hour). The method proceeds by delivering the fuel oil through the passageway in the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Noel A. Wymaster
  • Patent number: 6398183
    Abstract: The shut-off device is intended for refillable gas cylinders. In order to be sure that only authorized persons can refill the cylinder, the filling device comprises a non-return valve element (16) which prevents filling and which can only be neutralized using a special magnet (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Torrent Trading Ltd.
    Inventors: Leon Kerger, Jean-Claude Schmitz